By Brian Lund
    SHULLSBURG—The City of Shullsburg came one step closer to the McCoy residential development project becoming a reality at the Shullsburg City council meeting Wednesday, Dec, 21, 2016.
    Nathan Russell, representing Jack and Susan McCoy, presented a draft of what is being called “Richards Farm Development Proposal”. The document spells out the background, plan, covenants and the next step for the project. Russell pointed out that this is a working document and is open for change or suggestions.
    According to the proposal: Jack and Susan McCoy desire to gift 14.43 acres of farmland to the City of Shullsburg for the development and construction of single family homes, including several single family condominiums.
    The City, through the Building and Grounds Committee, would be responsible for selling the lots. The price for each lot would be $1. The new buyer would be responsible for all closing costs. After 50% of the lots are sold the owners would be required to create a Homeowners Association to further govern the development.
    The high points of the fifteen covenants are as follows: All sold and deeded properties must have a residence completely built within twelve months of purchase. All homes built will be a minimum 1,650 sq. ft. for a single level home and 2,400 sq. ft. for a two story home. All homes shall have a fully poured cement basement and shall contain 20% or more of brick or rock on the street facing side. No prefabricated or log homes will be permitted. All homes must have an attached two car garage and a cement driveway that must be completed within six months of occupancy.  Any condominiums must be a minimum of 1,450 sq. ft. per unit and are allowed in lots 7, 8, 9 and 10. All buildings must be thirty feet from the curb. No above ground swimming pools, cages, coops or outdoor kennels are allowed. A single out building is allowed, but it must have a cement floor or foundation. No vehicles of any kind can be parked in the driveway of residence for a period of greater than 48 consecutive hours and not more that four days in a given month. Mechanical work can only be done in the attached garage. Feline and canine are the only animals allowed on the outside of the property and the maximum allowed is a combination of two. No security or chain link fences are allowed beyond the front of the residence. Decorative wood or imitation wood fences will be permitted.
    The McCoys’ present this draft proposal to the city council for insight and input as to the proposed items. Additionally, the McCoy’s request that the city develop a position as it relates to the size of the lots.
    Discussion during and after the presentation of the document turned up a few items that might need to be looked at, including: •The plan states the subdivision only have access to roads from Carnak Clun Street, Mayor Gloria Swenson thought it should be connected to County O for emergency vehicle reasons. •Discussion regarding lot lines and set backs and if this follows current city ordinances. •If three lots were bought by one buyer, the square footage would increase. •The three or four out-lots would be the city’s responsibility for maintenance. •The lots that aren’t built on would need to have alfalfa or grass. How would the lots would be offered for sale – starting with lots 1, 2, 3, etc. or first come, first serve.
    The council took no action regarding the layout of the McCoy Development.
    In other business:
    The council approved amending a contract with Delta 3 Engineering, Inc. Platteville. This is for the 2017 Oates, Estey and Iowa Streets reconstruction and specifically the water system associated with the construction. The new contract includes a DNR Safe Drinking Water Loan Program.
    The Planning Commission recommended creating a new residential zoning district – R-M medium density new single family residential district which allows zero lot line units as a condition use. The new zoning was written by Attorney Bill McDaniel. The council accepted the recommendation and set a public hearing on the matter for Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017 at 6:30 p.m.
    The council approved hiring a Police Administrative Assistant. This is a 20 hours per week position and applications will need to be submitted by Monday, Jan. 16, 2017 by 5:00 p.m. Josh Jerry, Police Chief, wanted someone in place by February.
    The Utilities Committee recommended that the council do a Sewer rate analysis. The analysis will be performed by Johnson Block of Mineral Point and will cost the city between $3,000 and $5,000. Approved.
    The city approved the purchase of an analytical balance for the purchase price of $1,440. The current balance is 30 years old.
    A wage increase was proposed for the waste water treatment plant weekend operator. The current wage paid is $9.90 per hour. A $1 raise was approved taking the amount paid up to $10.90 per hour.
    The prices were revealed and approved for the electrical upgrades of the 2017 street reconstruction project – for Oates Street $20,276 and Iowa Street - $21,124.
    Committee Reports – Alder Jim Paquette reported on the Utilities Committee – replacing lights in the waste water treatment plant lab; trussses for the roof are being delivered soon, so that project can move forward; White Hill Cheese is improving there handling of wastes. Parks – lights in the pool will be removed and cemented in for $50 each; well number three will be getting rehabbed and we will be using well number four; discussed the upcoming street projects. Cory Ritterbusch reported the Library Committee official appointed Virginia Grossman the interim library director, this will be effective until March 1, 2017.
    Approved paying bills for the city in the amount of $21.124.